Monster ... the HMS Queen Elizabeth is being built in Rosyth, Scotland, and is a huge 280m long

At a whopping 280m, she is longer than the Houses of Parliament and towers over the dock where she is being built.

When completed she will carry up to 40 aircraft and 250 Royal marines among the total 800 crew. She is expected to be commissioned next year and could be instrumental in the UK's military operations around the world.

A second identical ship, called HMS Prince of Wales, was set to be mothballed, but David Cameron announced in 2014 that construction would continue on the craft.

The ships have attracted controversy for their huge cost, both in raw materials and in manpower needed for their construction.

Around 5,000 workers arrive in Rosyth every day to help finish off the project

The Ministry of Defence has welcomed the arrival of these new giants, insisting that aircraft carriers are vital in maintaining Britain's interests abroad.

An MOD spokesperson wrote on the site: "To question why the UK needs an aircraft carrier is to ignore the realities of being a significant player on the global stage with peacetime, wartime and humanitarian responsibilities.

"It’s to disregard the power that a statement of intent makes, the engineering achievements of modern day British shipbuilders – and the long-term benefit that comes with protecting the waters that Britain depends on for its prosperity, resources and raw materials.

"An aircraft carrier backs up the words of its leaders with an indisputable presence – and, when necessary, action."

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368.